We are on our way to the Antarctic Peninsula, stopping of at Elephant
Island. The Island has particular relevance to the Expedition as 22 members
from the Shackleton’s Endurance expedition were stranded on the Island in
1915. This afternoon we were accompanied by a pod of Fin whales with calves.
The Fin whales were travelling slowly south. There was a minimum of 30
whales; it was difficult to get a total figure. When the Fin whales come to
the surface they release water vapor through two blow holes which creates a
cloud that looks like smoke and rises a few meters into the air. These smoke
like blooms were visible all around us. It was a fabulous sight which lasted
for over an hour. The students are busy writing up their final report on the
waste management survey received from the Captain and chief engineer. They
also went on a tour of the engine room where the purification system reverse
osmosis takes place. When they finished the Captain had a surprise from
them!! They helped the crew to clean the engine room, the deck and the
windows. We are now the shiniest ship sailing around the Antarctic!!

Bye for now

Anne